Page 21 - Boardwalk Meander Issue 5 December 2024

WORKPLACE
HEALTH AND FITNESS

According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of South Africa (HSFSA), 215
people die every day from heart disease or strokes in this country. Hyperten-
sion (high blood pressure) is a major risk factor for heart disease and affects

more than 45% of adults. Its prevalence continues to rise.

here is an urgent need to shift kidney and soya beans. Potassium, * Manage stress as this is a known
from treatment to prevention along with calcium, magnesium and risk factor for high blood pressure.
with regards to heart health, and fibre, are core elements of dietary Incorporating stress-reducing
Trecently released guidelines for approaches to stop hypertension; practices such as mindfulness,
the European Society of Hypertension * Engage in regular physical activi- meditation and yoga can significant-
(ESH) offer a blueprint for a healthier ty such as walking, swimming or ly benefit heart health. Also ensure
future. cycling, for 150 minutes per week. that you’re getting enough sleep:
This can lower the risk of heart seven to nine hours per night is
ADOPT A HEART-HEALTHY DIET disease, and people with high blood recommended;
* Eat less red meat and more vegeta- pressure are also encouraged to do * Limit exposure to environmental
bles, fresh fruit, fish, nuts and low some form of weight and resistance noise and air pollution, as these are
fat dairy products; training; major stressors. While admittedly
* Reduce salt intake as excessive so- * Try to maintain a healthy weight difficult to control if you live in the
dium consumption is closely linked because as your body mass index city, those with high blood pressure
to hypertension. It is recommended and waist circumference increas- can try changing the location, timing
to have less than one teaspoon of es, so does your risk of developing and type of outdoor activities to
salt per day; hypertension. If you need to lose reduce their exposure.
* Limit your sugar and carb intake; weight, reduce your calorie intake
eat less cakes, biscuits, bread, and and partake in regular exercise; By following the hypertension guidelines
sweets, and quit all carbonated * Limit alcohol and definitely stop and making small but meaningful life-
beverages; smoking if you have not done so style changes, the risk of heart disease
* Eat more foods rich in potassium, already as both these habits are can be reduced. Adults are advised to
such as lentils, squash, prunes, major contributors to heart disease assess their heart health by visiting their
raisins, potatoes with the skin, and cancer; GPs annually for a check-up and making

ISSUED B Y MEROP A COMMUNIC ATIONS ON BEH ALF OF PH ARMA D Y NAMICS .

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Boardwalk Meander Estate Issue 5 · 2024
Kyalami Estates • CONNECT • Issue 2 • 2024